Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal, typically in October or November. Each day honors different animals—crows, dogs, cows, and oxen—symbolizing various aspects of life and spirituality.
The festival culminates with Bhai Tika, where sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity, marking their foreheads with a seven-colored Tika and performing rituals to strengthen their bond. Homes and streets are adorned with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangoli patterns to welcome the goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
The air is filled with the sounds of traditional songs and firecrackers, creating a joyous and vibrant atmosphere. Tihar not only highlights Nepal's rich cultural tapestry but also emphasizes themes of family, gratitude, and the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals. This festival is a beautiful blend of worship, celebration, and community spirit, bringing people together in a shared expression of devotion and festivity.
Tihar, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most important and vibrant festivals in Nepal, celebrated over five days in October or November. Each day of Tihar holds unique significance and rituals, honoring different deities and animals, symbolizing various aspects of life and spirituality.
Day 1: Kaag Tihar (Crow Festival)
The festival begins with Kaag Tihar, where crows, considered messengers of death, are worshiped and fed to ward off grief and death in the family.
Day 2: Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival)
On the second day, dogs, known for their loyalty and guardianship, are honored. They are adorned with garlands, tika (a red mark on the forehead), and offered delicious food to acknowledge their role in human life.
Day 3: Gai Tihar and Laxmi Puja (Cow Festival and Worship of Goddess Laxmi)
The third day is dedicated to cows, symbolizing prosperity and sacredness. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with oil lamps, candles, and colorful rangoli patterns to welcome the goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. Families perform Laxmi Puja, praying for prosperity and well-being.
Day 4: Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja (Ox Festival and Self-Worship)
The fourth day involves Govardhan Puja, where oxen are worshipped for their role in agriculture. In the Newar community, Mha Puja is performed, celebrating self and the spirit within, promoting good health and fortune.
Day 5: Bhai Tika (Brother's Day)
The final and most significant day is Bhai Tika, where sisters pray for their brothers' long life and prosperity. Sisters mark their brothers' foreheads with a seven-colored Tika, perform rituals, and exchange gifts, strengthening their bond and familial ties.
Throughout Tihar, the entire country is illuminated with lights, and the air is filled with the sounds of traditional songs and firecrackers. Tihar not only showcases Nepal's rich cultural heritage but also emphasizes themes of family, gratitude, and the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals. This festival is a beautiful blend of worship, celebration, and community spirit, bringing people together in a shared expression of devotion and festivity.
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